Collection consists of photographs of geologic formations and topographic features; native peoples; northern communities; logging, mining, fishing and whaling activities; survey field parties; and miscellaneous subjects including some of U.S. Geologic Survey offices and staff.

Most photographs were taken in Alaska, but also represented are the Yukon, Virginia, Maryland and Texas. Texas photographs are of oil fields and refineries, ca. 1917. Most photographs are dated and include descriptive captions.